Air Canada flight diverts to Honolulu after passenger dies

An Air Canada flight traveling from Vancouver, Canada, to Brisbane, Australia was diverted to Honolulu on Saturday following the death of a male passenger mid flight.

The Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii, a nonprofit that assists visitors to Hawaii in distress, responded to the incident, which forced hundreds of passengers, including an 11-year-old unaccompanied minor, to stay overnight in Honolulu.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office and Air Canada did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident.

Jessica Lani Rich, VASH president and CEO, said the man had been sick prior to the flight. Rich said VASH assisted the man’s family with bereavement arrangements.

Rich said the man was traveling with five children, his wife and another family member. Rich said VASH hired a nurse to ensure the 11-year-old was cared for overnight.

“Air Canada did an excellent job taking care of their passengers,” Rich said. “We also assisted the family with arrangements and helped to care for the unaccompanied child.”

Rich said the diverted flight is expected to leave today for Brisbane.

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